Piaggio investigating hybrids
Click above for high-res gallery of the Piaggio MP3 400 and 500
While we were in New York testing out the latest versions of the Piaggio MP3, we got a chance to sit down with some of the men behind the three-wheeled machine. Our first question was when we might see the hybrid version of the revolutionary leaning machine. While the official date is still shrouded in mystery, we were assured that it is coming, maybe even before the end of the year. Bloomberg is reporting, though, that there could be hybrid Piaggios with an even higher wheel count, as the Italian scooter giant is said to be working on a hybrid four-wheeler.
Not unlike domestic manufacturers based in the U.S., Piaggio is facing an ever-diminishing market share in its home country. Emerging markets, though, are proving to be a boon for both the automotive and motorcycle markets. As companies battle it out to win over consumers, fuel efficiency is going to become an increasingly hot commodity.
[Source: Bloomberg]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kert 8:37AM (6/05/2008)
Guys did you know that the worlds biggest cars .. er dump trucks are now diesel eletric hybrids ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komatsu_930E
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebherr_T_282B
http://www.vincelewis.net/trucks.html
Reply
coolridge 10:45AM (7/07/2008)
The utility of this mega-moped, to me at least, is completely obvious. I was misinformed in thinking it was already out and called my local dealer only to find out much the contrary that they it is not. They say they get a lot of calls about it. If they brought out a +100mpg version it would really make a lot of waves once word got out. There are as many people like me who live relatively close to work and take local roads to their offices as there are folks who would be afraid to drive it because of the highway traffic congestion and speeds. Even with only that one half the market I think the possibilities for this bike to succeed are tremendous. It can't come out soon enough for me.
Reply